Sweden Dodge Italian Bullet To Progress

Binta Drammeh scored the last four points of the game to secure Sweden a narrow win over Italy

Sweden looked destined for a first loss in Group B at the U20 European Championship Women but a super last sixty seconds against Italy meant they were able to snatch a 61-59 victory from the jaws of defeat and step into the Second Round.

However, the result was a devastating blow for the Italians who, having firstly lost a tight opening game with Netherlands, allowed this glorious opportunity of a first win to slip despairingly from their grasp.

Leading 59-54 with less than a minute remaining, they found themselves victim of an Alice Nystrom triple which was the first nail in the coffin as Sweden finished with the last seven points of the contest.

Italy did have the chance to force overtime or even clinch a dramatic last gasp win, but the otherwise outstanding Caterina Dotto couldn't make the play driving to the basket.

Dotto was absolutely superb for Italy with 18 points, seven rebounds and six assists.

Sweden understandably breathed a sigh of relief as they clutched the rebound and were happy to see Dotto denied the chance of going to the free-throw line.

This was the second day of drama for newly promoted Sweden after picking up a close win against Poland and there was cause for a double celebration since they can not only look forward to the Second Round in Debrecen, but also another summer of Division A basketball.

Farhiya Abdi and Binta Drammeh registered 17 points each for the winning team.